Automatic train pipe connecter



March 6, 1934. J. ROBINSON AUTOMATIC TRAIN PIPE CONNECTE'R Original Filed Jan. 23, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet l l .l. /0 Q D 2/ 3 d 74 2 I C Iv/j 2 5 z I 1/?! 2 /6 w W /5 G9 6' Z k wayx I Z M w 3y M M m y M ATTORNEYS March 6, 1934. ROBINSON 1,950,093

AUTOMATIC TRAIN PIPE CONNECTER Original Filed Jan. 25, 1928 2 Sheets-sheaf 2 ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 6, 1934 UNITED STATES FATE? FFEQE one-half to Roy M. Wolvin,

Canada Application January 23,

Renewed January 26, 1933 18 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic train pipe connecters, and more particularly to means for connecting the train pipes of a car equipped with an automatic connector, to those of cars equipped with the hand coupler type, as is necessary during the transition period.

It is the object of the invention to adapt the automatic train pipe connecter to the interchange device with a minimum alteration thereof, and to simplify the interchange device, improve its operation, and render its manufacture more inexpensive, so that the discard of the interchange device after the transition period may be more economical.

. Other objects and features of novelty will be apparent as the following description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of an automatic 20 train pipe connecter provided with the improved interchange device;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 22 of Figure 1, showing, in dotted lines, a hand coupler of the hose of an adjacent car in position to be coupled to the interchange device;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the structures shown in Figures 1 and 2, showing only the automatic connecter hose, the interchange device, and the hand coupler hose, in their connected positions;

Figure 4 is an end view of the interchange device shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is an elevation of a modified form of locking device;

Figure 6 is an end view of the structure shown in Figure 5, the train pipe being omitted; and

Figure 7 is a cross section of the end fitting of the train pipe associated with the interchange device, and showing the air expanded gasket.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the automatic conneoter shown in Figure 1 comprises generally a suitable form of coupling head A mounted on the enlarged forward hollow end 8 of a supporting member B, from the rear side of which project a pair of straps 9 which are spaced apart, preferably in the horizontal plane, and which span a suitable bracket C. The bracket connects the connecter with the car coupler by means of the usual lug D and bolts 10, while the straps 9 terminate at the rear end of the bracket in a flange or projection 11 adapted to be held in engagement with the bracket by a spring E. The spring is pivotally connected to the lower end of the bracket through the medium of a tie rod F, hooked over and pivotally mounted Montreal, Quebec,

1928, Serial No. 248,917

on an anchor device 12 at the bottom ofthe bracket.

A laterally diverging conduit 14 extends into the hollow end of the member B and projects to a position substantially. flush with the coupling head A. A projection 15 extends from the conduit into a recess 16 in the member B, while a spring actuated locking device 17 projects from the upper side of the member downwardly through the projection 15 and into the member- B at the lower side of the recess 16, the spring 18 serving to hold the locking device in position and thus securely maintaining the conduit within the hollow of the member B. It will be noted that the locking device 17 is substantially U- shaped in formation, and that its outer. leg 1'7 passes through an eye 17 mounted on the outside of the member B and terminates in a head 17, by means of which the device may be actuated, and yet the external projections are reduced to a minimum. The conduit 14 forms the end of a train pipe 20 which is provided with the usual cut-off valve indicated generally at 21, which connects the train pipe 20 to the train system. The interchange device is indicated generally at 22, and comprises a conduit terminating at one end in a hand coupling head 23 of the old type formerly in general use. This interchange device is pivotally supported from the automatic connecter in such a manner that it is impossible for it to become lost, and it is always at hand, ready for instant hand connection, as the pivotal connection offers little interference to its movement.

The body 22 of the interchange device is provided with an up-standing lug 24 which is set at an angle to the body and pivoted on a pin 25 carried by a pair of lugs 26 depending from the member B. It will be noted that the lugs 26 are spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the lug 24 so that the interchange device has considerable longitudinal play upon the pivot pin 25. This longitudinal play, in addition to the pivotal movement of the interchange device, permits an almost universal motion thereof which readily facilitates the hand coupling of the head 23. The lug 24 is provided with a stop shoulder 24, which prevents the interchange device from fouling the train pipe 20, when automatically connected.

Referring more particularly to Figures 3 and 4, the rear end of the interchange device 22 is'provided with a plurality of lugs 22 which serve to locate the enlarged coupling end 14' of the conduit 14, so that when the members 22 and 14 are coupled together, their passages will register accurately. A fourth lug 27 is apertured to pivotally receive a stem 28 or" a locking member 29, which is tapered so as to wedge the end 14 closely against the seat 30 of the interchange device, the inner edges of the lugs 22' being undercut or hook-shaped to assist in the wedging action.

The end 14' is recessed as shown in Figure "I to receive an air-compressed gasket 31 which forms an air-tight joint with the seat 30 when the conduit 14 is coupled to the interchange device 22.

The wedging action of the member 29 is such as to lock the parts in position when the member 29 is rotated and the gasket 31 is compressed. The handle 32 of the member 29 is provided with a weight 33 which serves to hold the member in coupled position. However, to positively lock the parts in coupled position, the handle is provided with an eye 34 which receives a hook 35 connected by a chain 36 to a lug 37 on the body 22.

When the members 22 and 14 are connected and compressed air flows through the same, the gasket 31 tends to expand and force the members apart. This results in producing a very tight locking engagement between the end 14 of the member 14 and the lugs 22' on the member 22, so that the parts will. be firmly held together even without the use of the locking member 29. Furthermore, the compressed air in the hose 20 tends to straighten the same and this produces a further force tending to hold the member 14 down into locked engagement with the lugs 22' of the mem ber 22.

The lug 15 and the locking device 17 permit con" duit 14 to be readily removed 1 rom the coupling head A to permit replacement of the gasket 31 without disconnecting the automatic connecter from that of the adjacent car. However, this figure is utilized to simplify the interchange arrangements, inasmuch as by merely releasing the locking device 17 the conduit 14 may be removed and the end 14 connected to the seat 30 of the interchange device and locked in position by the member 29. The pivotal connection 25 together with the longitudinal play provided, permit the ready manipulation of the interchange device 22, in coupling the head 23 with the hand coupler 23 shown in dotted lines in Figure 2, and the parts can be rocked upwardly in the same manner that the present hand hoses are tilted or bent in coupling them. Furthermore, this mounting of the interchange device permits the hand couplers to pull apart in case the cars are unoccupied without disconnecting the hose connections, without any damage being done.

It should be noted that the entire train pipe of the automatic connecter is removed bodily and connected to the interchange device, and can be readily replaced for automatic connection. Thus, after the transition period is over, and the interchange may be discarded, the automatic connecter remains to function as if no interchange had been necessary, as the present arrangement adapts it for interchange with a minimum of modification or" the automatic connecter. The lugs 26 are the only parts thereon which are not utilized for automatic connection alone.

A modified form of locking device is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The end 14, the seat 30 and the lugs 24 and 22 are identical with those previously described, but instead of the lug 27 and the member 29, a modified device is employed. The modified device consists of a lug 35 which forms a seat for a latch 36' secured thereto by a screw 3'? and urged against its seat by a leaf spring 38. The latch 36 is provided with a win 39 and a rib 40, which engages a groove 41 in the lug 35', when the parts are in locked position. Lateral pressure on the wing 39 will cause the rib 40 to ride out of the groove 41 against the action of the spring 38, thus releasing the parts.

While these embodiments of my invention have been shown and described in great detail for the purpose of adequate disclosures, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details disclosed, but includes such embodiments of the broad idea as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination with an interchange device adapted for connection of the train pipe of an automatic connecter with a hand coupler train pipe, said automatic connecter train pipe being provided with an end fitting having a gasket, of means for connecting said interchange device to said end fitting, comprising a seat on said interchange device, means associated therewith for locating said end fitting with said gasket against said seat, and means on said interchange device for clamping said end fitting against said locating means, comprising a pivoted member adapted to engage said end fitting and clamp it against said locating means.

2. In combination with an interchange device adapted for connection of the train pipe of an automatic connecter with a hand coupler train pipe, said automatic connecter train pipe being provided with an end fitting having a gasket, of means for connecting said interchange device to said end fitting, comprising a seat on said interchange device, means associated therewith for locating said end fitting with said gasket against said seat, means on said interchange device for clamping said end fitting against said locating means comprising a pivoted member adapted to engage said end fitting and clamp it against said locating means, said pivoted member being adapted to be turned to an inoperative position to release said end fitting, and means to hold said pivoted member in position to clamp said fitting against said seat.

3. In combination with an interchange device adapted for connection of the train pipe of an automatic connecter with a hand coupler train pipe, said automatic connecter train pipe being provided with an end fitting having a gasket, of means for connecting said interchange device to said end fitting, comprising a seat on said interchange device, means associated th rewith for locating said end fitting with said gasket against said seat, and means on'said interchange device for clamping said end fitting against said locating means, comprising a pivoted member adapted to engage said end fitting and clamp it against said locatin means and positive locking means for said pivoted member.

a. In combination with an interchange device adapted for connection of the train pipe of an automatic connecter with a hand coupler train pipe, said automatic connecter train pipe being provided with an end fitting having a gasket, of 163118 for connecting said interchange device to said end fitting, comprising a seat on said interchange device, means associated therewith for locating said end fitting with said gasket against said seat, and means on said interchange device for clamping said end fitting against said locating means, comprising a pivoted member adapted to engage said end fitting and clamp it against said locating means, said pivoted member having an operating handle and means for locking said handle in coupled position.

5. In combination with an interchange device adapted for connection of the train pipe of an automatic connector with a hand coupler train pipe, said automatic connector train pipe being provided with an end fitting having a gasket, of means for connecting said interchange device to said end fitting, comprising a seat on said interchange device, means associated therewith for locating said end fitting with said gasket against said seat, and means on said interchange device for clamping said end fitting against said locating means, comprising a pivoted member adapted to engage said end fitting and clamp it against said locating means, said pivoted member having an operating handle provided with a weight to hold it in coupled position.

6. In combination with an interchange device adapted for connection or" the train pipe of an automatic connecter with a hand coupler train pipe, said automatic connector train pipe being provided with an end fitting having a gasket, of means for connecting said interchange device to said end fitting, comprisin a seat on said interchange device, means associated therewith for locating said end fitting with said gasket against said seat, and means on said interchange device for clamping said end fitting against said locating means, comprising a pivoted member adapted to engage said end fitting and clamp it against said locating means, said pivoted member having an operating handle, means secured to said interchange device adapted to engage said handle and secure it in locked position.

7. A construction of the kind described, comprising in combination with a coupling head support and a train pipe hose, an interchange device arranged beneath said support, said device comprising a tubular member pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said support and arranged diagonally to the longitudinal axis of said support, means for maintaining said member normally in said diagonal position, means at one end of said member for detachably connecting a train pipe hose thereto and an ordinary sideport hand hose coupling carried by the other end of said member.

8. A construction of the kind described, comprising in combination with a coupling head support and a train pipe hose, an interchange device arranged beneath said support, said device comprising a tubular member, means for pivotally and slidably connecting said member intermediate its ends to said support, said last named means including parts arranged to maintain said member in a diagonal position relative to the longitudinal axis of said support, means at one end of said member for detachably connecting a train pipe hose thereto and an ordinary sideport hand hose coupling carried by the other end of said member.

9. A construction of the kind described, comprising in combination with a coupling head support and a train pipe hose, an interchange device comprising a tubular member pivotally and slidably connected to said support, means at one end of said member for detachably connecting a train pipe hose thereto and an ordinary sideport hand hose coupling carried by the other end of said member.

10. A construction of the kind described, com-- prising in com ination with a coupling head support and a train pipe hose, a tubular interchange member associated with said support, means for pivotally and slidably connecting said member intermediate its ends to said support, said means comprising spaced lugs on one of said last named parts, a pivot pin extending between said lugs, and a perforated lug on the other of said parts through which said pin extends, means at one end of said member for detachably connecting a train pipe hose thereto and an ordinary sideport hand hos-e coupling carried by the other end of said member.

11. A construction of the kind described, comprising in combination with a coupling head support and a train pipe hose, a tubular interchange member arranged beneath said support, said support having downwardly projecting spaced lugs, a pin extending between the same, said tubular member having an upwardly extending lug provided with an opening through which said pin extends, whereby said member is pivotally and slidably connected to said support, means at one end of said member for detachably connecting a train pipe hose thereto and an ordi nary side-port hand hose coupling carried by the other end of said member.

12. A construction of the kind described, comprising in combination with a coupling head support and a train pipe hose having a conduit on the end thereof, a tubular interchange member arranged beneath said support, means for pivotally connecting said member intermediate its ends to said support, means at one end of said member for connecting said hose thereto, said last named means comprising a seat on the end of said member and means for frictionally engaging said conduit and holding the same against said seat, the other end of said interchange member having an ordinary side-port hand hose coupling mounted thereon.

13. A construction of the kind described, comprising in combination with a coupling head support and a train pipe hose having a conduit on the end thereof, a tubular interchange member arranged beneath said support, means for pivotally connecting said member intermediate its ends to said support, means at one end of said member for connecting said hose thereto, said last named means comprising a seat on the end of said member and means for frictionally engaging said conduit and holding the same against said seat, a clamp carried by said member for clamping said conduit in position against said seat, the other end of said interchange member having an ordinary side-port hand hose coupling mounted thereon.

A'construction of the kind described, comprising in combination, a coupling head support and a tubular interchange member, one of said parts having spaced lugs thereon and a pin extending between said lugs, the other of said parts having a portion thereon extending between said spaced lugs and having an opening through which said pin extends whereby said member is connected to said support, and means on each end of said member for connecting train pipe hose thereto.

15. A construction of the kind described, comp ing in combination, a coupling head support and a tubular interchange member, said support having downwardiy projecting lugs thereon, a pin extending between said lugs, said tubular having an upwardly projecting portion arranged between said lugs and provided with an opening with said pin extending through said opening, said pin being arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of said support, and said upwardly extending portion on said tubular member being arranged obliquely to the axis of said member, and means carried by each end of said member for connecting train pipe hose thereto.

16. In an automatic train pipe connecter of the type having a connecter head and a support therefor, means for connecting the hose of a car having such automatic connecter with an adjacent car not so equipped, said means comprising a tubular interchange member pivotally connected to said head, said member at its front end having means for connecting an ordinary standard hand hose coupling thereto, said member at its rear end having a seat and also having hookshaped lugs projecting beyond and over said seat, said hose having a fitting secured to the end thereof, said fitting having a face adapted to cooperate with said seat and also having a part shaped to engage behind said lugs to lock said fitting to said member, an expansible gasket arranged in the end of said fitting in position to engage said seat, said gasket being arranged to expand under the action of pressure fluid in said fitting and member and more firmly lock said parts together.

17. A construction as specified in claim 16 in which the rear end of said member is so positioned as to require flexing of said hose in order to insert said fitting behind said lugs, whereby the tendency of said hose to straighten under the action of pressure fluid will further tend to lock said fitting behind said lugs.

18. In an automatic train pipe connecter of the type having a connecter head, means for connecting the hose of a car having such automatic connecter with an adjacent car not so equipped, said means comprising a tubular interchange member pivotally supported adjacent said head, said member at its front end having means for connecting an ordinary standard hand hose coupling thereto, said member at its rear end having a seat, said hose having a fitting secured thereto adapted to be arranged against said seat, and means for holding said fitting on said seat.

JOSEPH ROBINSON.

III 

